All it took was a single phone call to turn Janie’s simple, orderly, comfortable existence into a chaotic, messy, co-habitation with her gregarious, dramatic, and - thanks to modern surgery - more bountifully endowed twin, Rachel, and her smelly pet ferret, Nostradamus.

Ryan and Janie are co-workers at The Big Easy News where they both report to their dragon-lady boss, editor-in-chief, Jacqueline Reddy. Janie finds Ryan quite attractive and vice versa but neither one has attempted to establish a personal relationship since dating amongst co-workers is strictly against office policy and is grounds for termination. Ryan also happens to live just downstairs from Janie in the same apartment building.

As the story opens, Rachel is in the process of breaking up with her loser boyfriend. Janie agrees to let Rachel take up temporary residence with her until Rachel can sort things out and decide how she wants to move on. The mayhem ensues as the intellectually-minded, neatly-organized Janie and her free-spirited, mouthy, colorful sister try to adjust to living together after having lived separate and very divergent lives for years. Hilarity abounds as the cast of secondary characters make their appearances, some wrecking havoc and some bearing gifts.

I was absolutely, totally charmed by this thoroughly entertaining novel. The several important characters are all exceptionally well-developed with identifiable characteristics and quirks. The conversations sparkle with humor that is fresh and believable. The story, told from Janie’s perspective, in first person, is fast-paced and flows smoothly to a joyfully satisfying conclusion. I love Nostradamus; the naughty little scene-stealer also stole my heart. Time flew by as I quickly turned the pages to find out what would happen next. I applaud the author for penning such an original, outstanding tale and highly recommend this fun urban adventure romance to anyone who craves a little Magick.

Monday, October 18, 2010

MONDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2010

Janie Adler likes her quiet, orderly life reviewing books for a small New Orleans newspaper exactly the way it is. So what if Duke Hot Pants, the hero of her favorite romance novel, is the only man in her life? She has a Pulitzer Prize to chase. That is until her quirky twin sister Rachel moves in, bringing boyfriend drama, a smelly ferret, and irrational belief in all things magickal along with her.

Persuaded by a local voodoo priestess-and maybe one margarita too many-the twins cast spells to improve their love lives. Loser-magnet Rachel focuses on avoiding the wrong men and Janie seeks her romance novel ideal. While plenty of eligible bachelors flood into their lives, Janie only has eyes for her coworker who lives in the apartment downstairs and works in the cube next to her. But the twins soon discover the incantations' many unintended-and dangerous-consequences. The increasing number of mishaps and misfortune putting the sisters in grave peril seems more like the work of a curse.

Can Janie and Rachel's "twintuition" save them from the menace stalking them?

Janie seems to have it all, a great job doing something she enjoys, a good relationship with her co-workers, and a cute little apartment. The one thing that's missing is romance. Lately the hero of one of her favorite books, Duke Hot Pants, is the closest thing she's gotten to romance, and that's in her dreams.

Rachel, Janie's twin, is scatter-brained, whimsically illogical, and believes in the magickal. She's pretty much everything that Janie's not. She's as different from Janie as night is to day or so each other thinks. And not only that, but she has the worst taste in men. When her latest, Ted, gets a little too physical, Rachel calls Janie to ride in to her rescue.

Ryan, Janie's co-worker and downstairs neighbor, looks out for the ladies when trouble comes to call in the form of Rachel's ex... but what he'd like to do is claim Janie as his own, if their maniacal devil boss, Jacquelyn, would allow co-workers to date.

Magick Charm by Jennifer Wells tells Janie's story. She's sort of happy in her orderly, plain life... at least she doesn't have a lot to complain about or so she thinks. When Rachel has problems with her ex-boyfriend, Janie comes to her rescue and along with her smelly ferret, Nostradamus, they become one big happy family, sort of. Rachel can see how lonely Janie's let her life become, and she's determined to do something about it, something magickal. Viola, the voodoo priestess at Pete's where Rachel's band plays suggests a couple of spells that she swears will put each woman on the right path, help Rachel make better choices with men, and help Janie put romance back into her dull life. What neither one knows is what will happen after the spells are cast.

Magick Charm is a fun little page turner with a little snark, lots of sass, and at times, laugh out loud funny! I really enjoyed this first book from new author, Jennifer Wells. Janie and Rachel are twins, and while Rachel believes in everything the French Quarter has to offer, Janie is more cautious, less willing to take a chance, until Rachel needs her. Then when Janie's given the opportunity to see if magick really works, she only goes along to please her sister. What happens next, neither one could predict, but it brings mystery, thrills, love, and a bit of the unknown into both the women's life. They both discover more about themselves than they bargained for. All lovers of light fun pararomance will enjoy this book, there's just a touch of a thrill here too, so romantic suspense lovers will enjoy it as well. Pick up, you won't be sorry you did.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

ISBN#: 978-0984180509 My Rating★★★Janie Adler likes her quiet, orderly life reviewing books for a small New Orleans newspaper exactly the way it is. So what if Duke Hot Pants, the hero of her favorite romance novel, is the only man in her life? She has a Pulitzer Prize to chase. That is until her quirky twin sister Rachel moves in, bringing boyfriend drama, a smelly ferret, and irrational belief in all things magickal along with her.

Persuaded by a local voodoo priestess-and maybe one margarita too many-the twins cast spells to improve their love lives. Loser-magnet Rachel focuses on avoiding the wrong men and Janie seeks her romance novel ideal. While plenty of eligible bachelors flood into their lives, Janie only has eyes for her coworker who lives in the apartment downstairs and works in the cube next to her. But the twins soon discover the incantations' many unintended-and dangerous-consequences. The increasing number of mishaps and misfortune putting the sisters in grave peril seems more like the work of a curse. Can Janie and Rachel's "twintuition" save them from the menace stalking them?

My Review:Janie and Rachel were twin sisters who were completely different. Rachel was carefree, in a band, outspoken and made bad judgements, especially when it came to men. Janie was predictable, reviewed books, hard working, and reliable. But, she was a push over - especially for those who would take advantage of it, including her sister. For example, Rachel just assumed it would be alright to move in with her. Then, tired of making bad choices in men, Rachel encouraged Janie to help her perform a spell, to give her good judgement. Against Janie's better judgement, Rachel also wanted to find a love match for Janie. But for some reason, the spell went wrong, and strange things began to happen. Ex-boyfriends enter back into thier lives and someone began stalking Rachel. In order to figure out who it was, the girls switched identities.

How cool would it be to have a twin? I like the close relationship between Janie and Rachel, although sometimes thier personalities clashed. It was fun to read two sisters who are so much alike, but so different. Janie wanted Rachel to be more conservative and Rachel wanted Janie to loosen up. I thought it was cute how Rachel manipulated the events in order to get Janie and Ryan together. I thought the chemistry between them was charming and crediable. There definately were sparks...Rachel just felt she needed to put a little fire underneath them. I thought Ryan, the quiet and protective co-worker and neighbor was sweet. It was nice to see a quiet guy still be strong when he needed to be, especially when he stood up to Ben and Ted. I absolutely loved Officer Beaty's character. She was a very no nonsense and blunt female.

Although charming, I didn't feel that the plot was completely unique. In some ways, it reminded me of one of those good Lifetime Movies. You know, twins having love life issues, abusive boyfriends, job pressures, and stalker issues so they switch places. That being said, I do appreciate a good whodunnit. Just when I thought I had it figured all out, it turned out I was wrong and I loved it. But, it could have used more action and suspense. You know a little more Oomph! I felt that the story felt safe. However, what I did find it appealing, was the author wrote it with a fluidity and style of a seasoned author. It was interesting to read how each character grew and evolved in each others shoes, as the story went on.

Overall, this was a fun and fast read. Although, the story was considered a paranromal romance, in truth, it only has a subtle element of magic. But, I found the characters to be entertaining, the New Orleans enviroment to be enchanting, and the plot to be intriguing. This was one of those books, you curl up on the couch, snuggled under a cozy blanket, and have your hot chocolate sitting on the end table next to you and read. This is what I call an all around relaxing read - a charming book of comfort.

Cover Art:I absolutely love the mystical look of this cover. I like the earthy colors and the images. I even like the font used for the title.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Today at Tink's Place, I'm happy to welcome a new author to the published world, Jennifer Wells.

Jennifer Wells lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and three cats. When she's not writing, Jen makes jewelry for her business, Dragonfly Design (dragonflydesign13.etsy.com), and works at 13 Magickal Moons of Occoquan, VA.

From the Cover:

Janie Adler likes her quiet, orderly life reviewing books for a small New Orleans newspaper exactly the way it is. So what if Duke Hot Pants, the hero of her favorite romance novel, is the only man in her life? She has a Pulitzer Prize to chase. That is until her quirky twin sister Rachel moves in, bringing boyfriend drama, a smelly ferret, and irrational belief in all things magickal along with her.

Persuaded by a local voodoo priestess-and maybe one margarita too many-the twins cast spells to improve their love lives. Loser-magnet Rachel focuses on avoiding the wrong men and Janie seeks her romance novel ideal. While plenty of eligible bachelors flood into their lives, Janie only has eyes for her coworker who lives in the apartment downstairs and works in the cube next to her. But the twins soon discover the incantations' many unintended-and dangerous-consequences. The increasing number of mishaps and misfortune putting the sisters in grave peril seems more like the work of a curse. Can Janie and Rachel's "twintuition" save them from the menace stalking them?

Her first book, Magick Charm was released on September 2, 2010 by Crescent Moon Press, a sweet romance with mystical castings. Congratulations Jennifer!!

Hi Jen! Why don't we start out with getting to know you? Why don't you tell us about yourself?

Thanks, Dottie! I’m really excited to be on your blog today!

Writing has always been a love of mine, but remained a hobby for me until several years ago. My husband got a job in another state, and I left my job as a research scientist when we moved. I used my newfound time to finish a book and give writing a chance as a career. This year, we celebrated our 15-year wedding anniversary a month before my book was released. I feel truly blessed that I’ve been able to finally realize my dream!

Why don't tell us about your new book, Magick Charm?

My story centers on twin sisters who cast spells to improve their love lives. But when the consequences of the spells aren’t exactly what they intended, things get complicated and dangerous.

It takes place in New Orleans, which is one of my favorite cities to visit. The atmosphere of this old Southern city, with its above-ground cemeteries, fantastic food, voodoo influences, music, and bars in the Quarter inspired me.

Was Magick Charm your first completed manuscript?

I’ve completed three manuscripts, but Magick Charm is the first one to be published. I wrote a historical pirate romance called Pandora’s Legacy first. Who knows, maybe someday I’ll revisit it and turn it into a time travel story. But in the meantime, I’ve got more of the twins’ story to tell.

How long have you been working to get published (so all the aspiring writing out there don't get discouraged, lol)?

It can be a very long road to publication! I’d been trying for about 7 years before I got “The Call” (in actuality, it was “The Email”). My husband read “The Email” to me from my phone while I was driving on route 95 on my way to Florida to visit my parents. We had to stop for a dinner break because I was shaking too hard to continue driving!

Since you're new to the publishing world, what's been your favorite part of the process?

I feel like every part of the process has been an exciting learning experience for me, especially working with my editor. The changes she suggested made a huge improvement in the manuscript. I’ll definitely be using what she taught me as I write my next book.

The biggest wow moments had to be seeing my book listed on Amazon and holding the paperback in my hand for the first time!

Magick Charm reads like a stand alone, but is there plans for a series? Do you have an excerpt you'd like to share?

I’d love it to be the first book in a series! I have a first draft of a sequel written, and I’ve got plans for at least another two books after that.

In the meantime, here’s a romantic scene from Magick Charm:

Ryan grinned at me from the doorway. "Wow, you look nice," he said. His smile went all the way to his eyes, and I was glad for the special pains I had put into my appearance tonight.

He'd also gone the extra mile to dress nicely, having traded his usual polo for neatly pressed dress pants and a button-down shirt. Sure, I'd noticed him before, but I had always refused to view him in a datable sort of light. Now that I'd started, I couldn't help thinking about him.

"Come on in." I opened the door wide and stepped back to let him in.

He glanced around my living room. "Am I the first guest to arrive?"

He didn't appear too confused by the lack of people, though. The game was up.

"Well, to tell the truth," I stammered, "it's only the two of us tonight." My cheeks must have been as red as boiled crawfish shells.

"You didn't invite me here today," he said. It wasn't even a question.

I shook my head.

"I see. This is your sister's version of a good deed?"

"Yeah," I said. "She loves to play matchmaker. I'm sorry." I'd have choked Rachel if she'd been there. I felt humiliated, yet part of me hoped he wouldn't leave.

"It's not your fault," he said.

We stood together in the middle of the living room, looking at each other and not finding anything to say.

"Listen," he said after a long pause, "we can forget about this if you want. I don't want you to be held responsible for any more mistakes your sister makes."

I was going to need a pint of Ben and Jerry's to cope. He called our date a mistake. I coached my face not to show my disappointment. "Okay," I said. "That's fine. Again, I'm sorry about my sister conning you into this. You probably had much better things to do tonight than dress up to humor me, er, Rachel pretending to be me, I mean."

Ryan's solemn expression changed to one of skepticism meshed with a glimmer of hope. "Not so fast. I'm not the only one here who dressed up."

I smoothed my hands over my skirt in a nervous gesture.

"I'm going to be honest with you, Janie," he said. "I was excited to get that message today. I've wanted to ask you out for awhile, but never got out the words."

My heart leapt at his admission. He paced a little and ran his hand through his hair, his nervous tell. This time, the gesture struck me as endearing.

"So, no," he said. "I don't want to call off the date. And I don't think you want to either."

"I don't," I said. I wasn't usually so direct, but I was sure about this. "My sister was crazy and impulsive to set us up like this. But I want to go out on this date with you. She has terrible taste in men."

"Only usually, but she's trying to get better about it. I mean, she likes you," I stammered. Another mistake. "For me, I mean. She likes you for me."

Ryan took a step closer to me and stopped my rambling by placing his finger across my lips. It was one of the most sensual gestures I'd ever experienced. When I quieted, he lifted his finger from my lips, leaving a warm tingle in its wake.

I reflexively licked my bottom lip, as if tasting the texture of his skin. He looked into my eyes and lifted one side of his mouth in a little smile.

"What about you?" he asked. His words were quiet, and I strained to hear. "Do you like me...for you?"

My eyes slipped shut and a sigh escaped my lips. I loved the way his words rippled through my body. "Yes," I whispered. My voice sounded husky, like I'd been having sex and enjoying it. Why had I held myself back from this man for so long?

He shifted closer and leaned his head toward mine until he was so close to me I could feel his breath on the skin of my neck and a shudder coursed through me. The next moment, he stepped away. I opened my eyes and stared at him. His eyes had darkened to a whisky brown and pierced me with a heart–stopping heat.

"I like you for me too."

What's next for you?

NaNoWriMo! For those who don’t know about National Novel Writing Month, it’s a challenge to write 50,000 words in the month on November. I’ve done it every year for the past four, and it makes for a crazy, hectic, stressful, sleepless, and totally fulfilling month.

Magick Charm was begun during a previous year’s NaNoWriMo, and I’m planning to continue the twins’ story this November.

What do you do during your writing day? When is your favorite time to write, morning, noon, midnight?

The morning is for caffeinating myself and getting chores done. I usually settle down in the afternoon to write, but I’m most productive at night.

I like to write on a laptop so I can move around. When I get stuck – the dreaded writer’s block! – moving to a different location in the house to work can sometimes help.

Do you have any 'must haves' when you sit down to write?

Strangely enough, I need background noise. I’ll turn on music or the television because I just can’t focus if it’s completely silent. I also weave in a lot of pop culture references, so I’ll have True Blood on TV when one of my characters is having a True Blood marathon, for example. In Magick Charm, one of the twins sings with a band, so I put their playlist on my iPod.

But above all, a steady supply of coffee and diet soda is crucial!

When you're not writing, what do you like to read?

I read a little bit of everything, but I love paranormal romance and urban fantasy. Action thrillers like those written by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child or James Rollins take up a good deal of space on my bookshelf as well.

Do you have a favorite author or all time read?

Choosing a favorite is difficult! I really like book series because they allow so much time for character development and world building. The Dark Tower series by Stephen King and the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon are exceptional in both of these areas. I’ll usually reread both of them once a year or so.

Since your book, Magick Charm, is about spell casting, magicks, voodoo, and charms; do you have a favorite witch, warlock, mage from a book, video game, or TV series?

Well, who doesn’t love Harry Potter? And Gandalf in The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings is the quintessential mage. My television favorite is the girl next door turned kick-ass witch Willow from Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

What inspired you to write about your characters? Is Rachel or Janie like anyone you know?

In a way, pieces of Rachel and Janie are both me. Janie is my writing and list-making side, who is probably a bit too concerned with having a spotless house. My Rachel side loves animals and is open-minded about the metaphysical. But she also represents the outgoing spirit that I’d like to have a little more of sometimes.

As for the rest of my characters, none of them are based solely on a single person. But I’ll often weave distinctive traits of people I meet, like a particular type of laugh, catch phrase, or gesture, into a character.

Okay, now for some fun stuff! If you were stranded on a desert island and you could bring anything with you, what five things would you absolutely have to have?

Because I’m a techno-junkie, I’d have to have my iPod, Kindle, and MacBook. I always have a tube of Burt’s Bees lip balm in my pocket, so I couldn’t leave home without that. And I’d bring my cell phone so I could call for a rescue boat when I had my fill of reading and relaxing on the beach – if such a thing is actually possible!

Thanks for being here with us today, Jen! It's been a pleasure having at Tink's Place! I hope you come back for another visit! If you like to take a peek at Magick Charm or if you'd like to purchase it, you can go to Crescent Moon Press orAmazon.com.

Janie Adler likes her quiet, orderly life reviewing books for a small New Orleans newspaper exactly the way it is. So what if Duke Hot Pants, the hero of her favorite romance novel, is the only man in her life? She has a Pulitzer Prize to chase. That is until her quirky twin sister Rachel moves in, bringing boyfriend drama, a smelly ferret, and irrational belief in all things magickal along with her.

Persuaded by a local voodoo priestess-and maybe one margarita too many-the twins cast spells to improve their love lives. Loser-magnet Rachel focuses on avoiding the wrong men and Janie seeks her romance novel ideal. While plenty of eligible bachelors flood into their lives, Janie only has eyes for her coworker who lives in the apartment downstairs and works in the cube next to her. But the twins soon discover the incantations' many unintended-and dangerous-consequences. The increasing number of mishaps and misfortune putting the sisters in grave peril seems more like the work of a curse. Can Janie and Rachel's "twintuition" save them from the menace stalking them?

Review:
Nothing can break up these twins!

Janie and Rachel are identical twins. That can always be fun! Though they may be similar in certain ways, but when it comes to relationships they couldnt be more different. Janie is more of a romance women, hence the pile of romance books by her bed! Rachel has bad taste in men, hence the situation she's in. Its okay with Janie because she never liked the guy so she is quick to help her sister out of the relationship she was in.

But her boyfriend has other plans. With Janie's neighbors help, Ryan, everything turns out to be fine. Or so they thought. Rachel convinces Janie to do a spell with her. A spell that will solve their relationship problems. Janie hesitates at first, but she really wants her very own hero so she eventually agrees.

What Janie doesnt expect is a man to come into her life. One who wanted out of her life many years ago. Only he wants back in, no strings attached please! Janie however want strings attached, just not with him. Not anymore. Her parents are certainly happy about her decision.

Just when Janie thinks she's got her romance book relationship, someone is stalking them. Her and her sister. She thinks. With help of some newly gained friends Janie and Rachel want to get this crazy guy behind bars. Forever.

Wells had me laughing with the twins relationship and gasping with the mystery of the stalker. The ending was unexpected and very creepy, in a good way of course. I love a book that keeps me guessing till the end and this one was one of them.Magick Charm was very enjoyable and memorable. I myself is a romantic at heart and the last chapter had me wanting my own hero.

I look forward to more of Wells work. Magick Charm definitely has a place on my shelf where it will stay and be re-read!

Friday, October 1, 2010

It's been an exciting couple of weeks! My book is now officially out. It's truly surreal - and very cool - to be able to look at my very own author page on Amazon.com. And there's nothing quite like receiving a box of books in the mail, especially when they're your own.

My very first interview is happening too. (Wow, I know, right?!?) I'll be sure to put a link on here as soon as the article is posted online.

And then there's the upcoming book release party. I should say parties, because there's so much fun it can't be packed into a single evening! It's going to be a great time and I'm really looking forward to it! I'm also slightly terrified about reading an excerpt from the book, but Sam promised there would be champagne, so hopefully that will help with the stage fright.

In any case, here's the info from the 13 Magickal Moons website. I hope to see you there!

***

13 Magickal Moons is proud and honored to be hosting the book release party for Jennifer Wells’ first fiction novel MAGICK CHARM! Because we know there will be so many people want to join in the fun and festivities we’ve decided to break this event into two days of celebrational fun!

To learn more about Jennifer Wells and her book Magick Charm, please visit her website at:www.jennifer-wells.com!

Schedule of Events:

Wednesday, October 13, 2010 ~ 6:30 - 9:00pm. Join us for great food and lots of fun as we celebrate the official kick-off party. Jennifer Wells will be reading an excerpt from her book at 8:00pm and signing autographs all evening.

Saturday, October 16, 2010 ~ 12:00 – 5:00pm, Jennifer will be available all day to sign autographs for those that couldn’t make it to the Wednesday night celebrate. Finger foods and lots of laughter will be provided!